Dia is Mhuire díobh go léir a chairde and welcome to my report.
Oh what a joy it was on Sunday evening to see the crowd of revellers around the monument in the town Square. How long is it since we’ve seen such a joyous occasion. A large crowd gathered to extol our tremendous Los Zarcos FC team on defeating Shandon Celtic in the Presidents Cup Final. The action was played out at Turners Cross where our local lads won 6.5 in extra time, to make it a nail biting finish. That made their arrival back in Millstreet all the sweeter. Many Congratulations to all involved.
The first of April has come and gone, the weather over the weekend was bright, sunny and the stiff breeze didn’t deter all those who ventured up every mountain and hill to support the great Charlie Bird challenge and helped him to reach his goal of raising €1m in aid of Motor Neuron Disease and Cancer research. What a triumph for a man in his condition. Charlie endeared himself as a reporter at all levels of the media over the years and his popularity stood to him when he reached out to his people for help. le cúnamh Dé, the money raised will go a long way towards finding a cure for the two killer diseases. Everybody who subscribed can take a well earned bow.
The mighty Green Glens is busy gearing up to take on the multitudes once more. In the past this world class facility has played host to some of the world’s rich and famous and kept Millstreet on the Global map since the early 80’s. Now once again the Duggan family are ready for more. Sad to say that our visitors this time are far removed from the high-spirited clientele of the past. The carpets are being laid and habitats erected for people who are actually running for their lives. For us it’s like a repeat of the Kosovars who came in 1999 and were housed at Drishane Castle. They came with harrowing stories of injustice, fear and in time with local care and attention, some were able to return to their own homes.
The main body of the indoor arena is newly carpeted and fitted by hundreds of units, all joined together, comprising of sitting room, kitchen and two bedrooms, each with its own lockable door. Furnishings and power still to be installed. Toilet and shower facilities are being increased and upgraded. The venue being no stranger to catering for the crowds, there are cooking facilities to meet any demand. Thomas told me that while they have no final account of numbers, it could reach in the region of 400 or more. Needless to say no date of their arrival has yet been revealed but the Green Glens will be ready and as a community we must all be ready to play any part within our ability to help these people for as long as it takes.
My ramblings over the weekend took me deep into the heart of beautiful Beara. Touching towns like Kenmare, Glengarriffe, Castletownbere, with it’s interesting Donboy Castle, stronghold of the Great O’Sullivan Beare which is coming into the news once more as some wealthy folks are about to pour millions into restoring it the great mansion and making it habitable again. The weather being ideal for strolling, we took our time in each. Unfortunately many shops closed or not open till late. But we came away with the conviction that the only business that is thriving today are the coffee shops. People like ourselves on a break, would love to shop but the shops weren’t open or not stocking what we’d like to buy. But at the end of it all we all want a coffee or a snack or a meal. Everywhere we went, these were the places that were doing the business. Strangers meet up and chat and socialise in these places and it’s the spice of life. Weddings are like the order of the day at the moment, some of our friends were at one in the renowned Eccles Hotel in Glengarriffe, where it is said they have a wedding every day at the moment.
We all love the sun, but following the sun and hard wind of late my garden was very glad of the soft rain that fell in the last couple of days. In the early morning the number slugs showing up through the wet grass was amazing . It was a if they loved the new moisture. My Lemon tree never fails to bring me joy. I got it as a gift and know nothing about how to care for it. But was advised to bring it indoors in its pot for the Winter. Now safe inside the glass door, it continues to bear new fruits. Last year’s leaves are falling off but not before the new ones come on ,and new fresh shoots are adding to it’s height. It’s over four feet high now. Needless to say the fruit cannot be eaten but are lovely to look at . Strange to say that this year the blossoms on my flowering currents are coming on before the leaves ,which is new to me. Planting time is a long way far off yet, not matter how tempting a fine spell can be.
Here are the results of this weeks Lotto draw which was held on Sunday night. Numbers drawn were 12,16,18,22 and the Jackpot was not won. €100 went to Ita Hickey, Claracleagh, she was also the seller and got €50 sellers prize, €50 went to Anne, Alan, Emma and Chloe c/o PJ. €20 each went to Eve O’Leary, c/o James, Aisling Tarrant, c/o N Tarrant. Pat Dinneen Keale, c/o M Healy. Larry McSweeney c/o The Mal Paso, Cullen GAA c/o Jerry Lehane, Joan Wall c/o Paudie Healy. Shane Dineen and James McCarthy, c/o Colemans, and Edmund Kerisk c/o Tom Carroll.
Next Draw April 10th. Jackpot €20,000.
Ring Mary Sheahan if you would like to go on a four day coach tour to Donegal in June. Calling to many interesting places along the way including Knock Shrine. For full details ring Mary at 087 053 7172.
A very interesting talk on Diet & Nutrition was held at the Canon O’Donovan Centre last night organised by our Active Retired Group and their Yoga Class resumes at the same venue on next Friday April 8th at 1.30.
45 Drives this week at Millstreet tonight, Cullen Wednesday night and Ballydaly Sunday night all with an 8.30 start.
Next week we will see the start of Holy week. Friday April 15th is Good Friday, followed by Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday April 17th . Lent will be over for another year but it’s important that we keep on praying and helping one another as we place all our trust in the Good Lord. We have daily Mass in our church. Eucharistic Adoration today from 10.30. Confession every Saturday from 12.30 to 1.
Our fondest greetings go to our beloved Sean Radley who is recuperating well in the tender are of his cousin Marie Radley/Carroll in Killarney and I feel like saying a sincere word of thanks to Marie for caring our dear friend so well.
Agus sin a bhfuil a cairde, have a good week. Slán
